Italian desserts offer a delightful respite from the sweltering Indian weather. These Italian iced desserts cool you down and are a must-have in summer gatherings and festivities. The simplicity of their preparation allows for creativity in flavors, blending traditional Indian fruits with classic Italian techniques.
Refreshing Granita Recipe
Indian summers have an Italian solution: Granita. This Italian Ice Dessert is a delightful, icy treat that’s perfect for hot days. And the best part is that it requires very few ingredients and it is easy to customize with your favorite flavors.
Ingredients:
- 500 ml water
- 150 gm sugar
- 250 ml fruit juice (lemon, orange, or any favorite)
- Optional: fresh fruit or mint for garnish
Instructions:
- In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves. Once dissolved, remove from heat and allow it to cool.
- Once the syrup has cooled down, add the fruit juice to the mixture. Stir well until fully combined.
- Pour the juice mixture into a shallow dish or baking tray. Place it in the freezer.
- After about an hour, check on the granita. Use a fork to scrape the mixture, creating fluffy ice crystals. Return it to the freezer and repeat the scraping process every 30 minutes until the granita is fully frozen and has a light, fluffy texture (this should take around 3-4 hours).
- When the granita is ready, scoop it into bowls or glasses. If desired, garnish with fresh fruit or mint leaves for an extra touch.
Rich Gelato
Unlike regular ice cream, gelato has less air and more fat. A gelato is loved for its rich density. It’s like a little scoop of luxury you can enjoy any time of the year!
Ingredients:
- 500 ml whole milk
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 150 gm sugar
- 5 egg yolks
- Flavorings of choice (like vanilla, hazelnut, chocolate)
Method:
- In a saucepan, heat milk and cream until steaming.
- In a bowl, whisk sugar and egg yolks until pale. Slowly pour in the warm milk mixture while whisking.
- Return to the saucepan and cook over low heat until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in flavorings.
- Chill the mixture, then churn in an ice cream maker.
Classic Italian Sorbet Recipe
Italian sorbet (or sorbetto) is a delicious frozen dessert. They are made from fruit and sugar. It is simple to make and is diary-free. Here’s how to make it at home.
Ingredients:
- 500 gm ripe fruit (like strawberries, raspberries, lemons, or mango)
- 200 gm sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of the fruit)
- 250 ml water
- 3-5 ml lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions:
- You can use fruits like mangoes and berries such as strawberry, blueberry and raspberry. Wash and chop your fruits and berries into small pieces. For citrus fruits, juice them and strain out the seeds.
- In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the prepared fruit, the cooled sugar syrup, and lemon juice (if using). Blend until smooth. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more sugar or lemon juice.
- Pour the fruit mixture into a shallow dish or baking tray. Place it in the freezer.
- After about an hour, check on the sorbet. Use a fork to scrape the mixture, breaking up any ice crystals. Return it to the freezer and continue scraping every 30 minutes until the sorbet is fully frozen and fluffy (this should take about 3-4 hours).
- Once the sorbet is ready, scoop it into bowls or glasses. You can garnish with fresh fruit or mint leaves if desired.
You can also try gola, bing-su or kakigori this summer to cool down from the searing temperatures outdoors. Try these brain freeze ice creams and desserts and beat the heat in style.
These Oreo Ice Cream "Cupcakes" are great for hot Indian summers. They are cold and refreshing. The creamy ice cream and crunchy cookies make a tasty treat. Enjoy them on a sunny day to cool off. Each bite is a delicious way to beat the heat!